Hull FC ran out 32-12 winners at Wigan Warriors on Saturday afternoon – their biggest win at Wigan in the summer era. Elsewhere, the club’s reserves and wheelchair sides were in action, with trialist winger Jack Rampton featuring again. Here is the latest notebook.
Hull FC leadership stands tall
It’s ironic, given a lot of negativity was aired regarding the age of Hull’s 2025 recruits, that two of their oldest have been right up there with their best. Cue Zak Hardaker, aged 33, and Aidan Sezer, now aged 34, who continue to lead the way as the heartbeat of this team.
Sezer was outstanding yet again at Wigan, having a big say in Hull’s first two tries before scoring the third himself. In fact, he’s led the team superbly all year and continues to be their most vocal point of attack, whether through kicking, passing, or sheer hard and direct running.
As for Hardaker, he always silences his doubters, and again, he’s been immense for Hull this year, earning his plaudits by the week – and no matter whether he plays. He’s lined up at centre, wing, half-back, back row, and full-back, but wherever he’s put, his competitiveness and tenacity always stand out.
Of course, it’s easy to say it now, but anyone worth their salt knew that Hull needed leadership and experience going into this year, and that’s what they got. It’s something not lost on Jed Cartwright, who aired the duo’s impact once again come half-time at Wigan.
“We had a chat at half-time,” Cartwright said. “It’s what is so important about having people that have been around the game for so long and experience. Seze and Zak pulled us in and said the game starts again now. That first half is irrelevant now. We’ve seen teams come back from 30-0 down at half time, so they pulled us in just before we went off the field and said, ‘We’re coming off this field together, and the next half is a new half.’ We then attacked the second half as a new game.”
On Sezer, Cartwright continued: “Seze has been immense for us every single week. He’s such a good person to have out on the field. He’s calm when you need him to be calm, and he also gives you a spray when you need a spray. He’s been massive for us. I’m so glad that he’s on our team.”
And as for the young buck…
Cartwright also paid tribute to young half Jack Charles, who played his part, not just kicking six goals from six attempts but also linking into the attack well with the ball in hand and fronting up in defence.
“I’m really proud of Charlesy and what he did out there,” Cartwright said. “He was really big for us. He attacked the line really well. He defended really well, and his energy was really, really good.”
Father figure
It’s a pretty special thing to see head coach John Cartwright set Hull FC up for victories alongside his son and back rower Jed Cartwright. It’s even better knowing what the player has gone through throughout his career, with the 28-year-old now firing in the Hull side after four months out with a hamstring injury.
Explaining the balance between being a coach and a dad, Cartwright senior said: “The only time I act as his dad is when injuries occur. I know better than anyone the trials and tribulations he’s had with his body, so the only time I ever really react as a dad is if I see him go down with injury.
“I do that with any player – no one wants to see an injury, but I suppose knowing a little bit more about what he’s gone through to get himself right and what he does go through to get himself right, it’s hard not to. But in many ways, you’re a dad figure to a lot of them.”
Middle’s lead the way
The contribution of Hull FC props Herman Ese’ese and Liam Knight was immense during Hull’s victory at Wigan. Knight got through 70 minutes of action, and Ese’ese wasn’t too far behind. But they were also quality minutes, with both front rowers dominating Wigan, ensuring Hull got through their sets with plenty of metres made. Eventually, that turned into points with the Black and Whites running away with the game.
In total, the duo ran for 278 metres – Ese’ese making 172 and Knight 106. They busted through 13 tackles between them, making no errors and giving away no penalties. In defence, they also made 44 tackles: Ese’ese 21 and Knight 23, with Ese’ese missing none. A huge effort.
Loan army
Denive Balmforth featured for Catalans Dragons again, playing his fourth game for the French side, this time against Hull KR. Elsewhere, Zach Jebson and Lennon Clark both featured for League 1 outfit Workington Town once again in the West Cumbrian derby. Town ran out 22-8 winners at Whitehaven, with Clark scoring two tries in the victory – his first in senior rugby league. The duo are on loan at Workington until the end of the season.
Reserves beaten
Hull FC reserves were beaten 24-12 by Wigan Warriors on Saturday evening. The Black and Whites trailed 12-0 at half-time, and while tries from Lloyd Kemp and trialist winger Jack Rampton got them back into the contest, Wigan held on for the win.
Wheelchair side cop heavy loss
Hull FC wheelchair side suffered a big 54-4 loss to Wigan at Robin Park. The defeat was Hull’s second from their opening three games of the Super League season.